NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Celebrating Jharkhand Diwas 2024: Honoring the Spirit and Achievements of Jharkhand The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) hosted a celebration of Jharkhand Diwas on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at the Consulate General of India in New York. Jharkhand Diwas commemorates the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in India. The occasion celebrates the state’s rich cultural heritage and its contributions to India’s growth and development.

The Consul General of India, New York, Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan highlighted the importance of cultural celebrations and appreciated the work done by BJANA in Jharkhand at the grass root level. Other distinguished guests, community leaders, and members of BJANA came together to mark the significance of Jharkhand Divas and its cultural importance.

The achievements of the Jharkhand diaspora in the United States and the collective impact of the people of Jharkhand on the global stage were highlighted at this event. Ms. Archana Sharma, a New Jersey based restaurateur, Mr. Arvind Prakash, an alumnus of BIT Mesra and founder of an IT services company, Mr. Gopal Pathak, Vice Chancellor of Sarla Birla University in Ranchi, Mr. Ajay Singh, Chief Sustainability and Environmental Officer at Metropolitan Transportation Authority NYC, Mr. Indrajit Saluja, Editor-in-Chief of Indian Panorama, New York, Ms. Anubha and Mr. Parimal Singh, both IIT Kharagpur alumni and restaurateurs in Seattle were felicitated with Jharkhand Gaurav Award at the event for their immense contribution to the society.

The event also featured a rich tapestry of performances, showcasing the diversity and artistic brilliance of Jharkhand. Traditional folk dances, melodious musical performances, and performance by kids captivated the audience, providing a glimpse into the cultural richness of the region. Art showcasing Jharkhand’s handicrafts and handlooms were also exhibited at the event.

BJANA put a spotlight on its ongoing community welfare initiatives, which include efforts in tribal empowerment, women’s rights, education, and healthcare access in Jharkhand. These initiatives demonstrate BJANA’s commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of the region. The event was addressed by these Awardees. Dr. Avinash Gupta, president of FIA, past president of BJANA, and a respected community leader, addressed the gathering with an inspiring message. He emphasized the importance of giving back, reminding everyone of our responsibility to contribute both to the communities we live and work in here and to the communities we left behind in India, which have given us so much. Dr. Gupta extended a warm invitation to all to join BJANA’s 50th anniversary celebrations next year during the Memorial Day weekend, a milestone event that will proudly showcase the rich heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand.

BJANA president Mr. Sanjeev Singh in his remarks said “We are proud of CGI New York and BJANA to provide a platform for our community to come together, celebrate, and keep our traditions alive in this diverse diaspora. It is also remarkable that BJANA will complete 50 years of its existence in 2025 and we have officially launched the golden jubilee celebrations to happen on May 24-25, 2025. We would love for everyone from the diaspora to be a part of it.” The event also provided an opportunity for networking and fostering a sense of community among the attendees.

About BJANA: The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) is a non-profit, cultural, and social organization dedicated to serving the community of individuals from the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand residing in North America. The association’s mission is to promote the cultural heritage, traditions, and values of these states while also fostering social, educational, and economic progress within the community.